Local census officals want better response

Mary Coronado, of Victoria, received her census form at home despite having a P.O. Box.

"I made sure everybody I knew sent it back," said Coronado, but not all P.O. Box users have had the same result.

According to O.C. Garza, census committee chair, some people that live in rural areas have not received their forms.

"It could be a glitch," said Garza who has received calls from surrounding counties from residents who have not received their forms.

"They took the time to call because they want to help," said Garza who received a group call from Inez residents.

Rural areas were canvassed last year to prepare for the national mail-out, according to Gloria Gonzalez, partnership specialist.

"Starting March 1 people actually were going to their (rural area) homes and giving them questionaire or leaving them at their doors, if they were not home," said Gonzalez, although added that those who have not received their census forms in their mailbox should receive it by April 12.

Gonzalez said P.O. Boxes do not receive census forms mailed directly to them because questionaries are barcoded in correspondence to addresses.

"It would be difficult to track them," said Gonzalez.

Calhoun county as of April 8 had the lowest return rate out of the surrounding 14 counties, Gonzalez said rural areas in the county maybe a reason for such a low response rate, but adds that commissioners and county judge are aware.

"Their working hard to put neon signs and we have commissioners working in their areas to get people to fill it out," said Gonzalez, who has been working alongside county officials.

"We're hoping to improve response rate," said Garza who stresses the importance and determining factors the census has as a result.

Gonzalez adds people who have questions or have not received a form should contact the local office.